A Sleave Unravelled
Work by Textile Artist Sue Bowhay Pringle
29th Oct 2024-2nd Feb 2025
The exhibition takes its title from one of Shakespeare's many references to sleep as restorative rest, peace, innocence or death.
Drawing inspiration from the landscapes and natural forms of Northumberland and Umbria, Italy, as well as architectural and literary references, the work explores the themes of change, memory, adjustment, scarring and repair.
The textiles used in the construction are natural fibres of silk, linen, cotton, jute and hemp, with merino wool for quilting. Most of the fabrics are old, often recycled, and the signs of ageing and wear are integral to the work. The gentle modulation of light and shade is created by manipulating the fabric with stitching and with quilting, using the method trapunto Fiorentino. Every piece is entirely hand stitched, since the tactile relationship with the fabric, and the slow process of change as stitches and layers of fabric are applied, or cut away, reflects the meditative and introspective nature of the work.
The work is abstract, with the exception of the small creatures embroidered into them. At times, they crop up while a piece is evolving, at others they act in a symbolic way, expressive of longevity or adaptation
At the Crease
Sleep 2 Close Up
Slik Close up
Pink close up